Slow Cooker Cubed Steak with Gravy

Slow Cooker Cubed Steak with Gravy is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Tender cubed steak is cooked low and slow in a rich, creamy gravy, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat with minimal effort. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a hearty dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 4-6 cubed steaks (about 1 ½ to 2 lbs)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 packet onion soup mix (or beefy onion soup mix)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra depth
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms for added flavor
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a hint of heat

For Serving:

• Mashed potatoes
• Rice or egg noodles
• Steamed vegetables or a side salad

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak and Gravy

1. Season the cubed steaks with a little black pepper on both sides.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic until well combined.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. Place a layer of cubed steaks at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Add a layer of sliced onions on top.
3. Pour half of the gravy mixture over the steaks and onions.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining cubed steak, onions, and gravy mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Steak

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the cubed steak is tender and the gravy has thickened.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)

1. If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry.
2. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the steak is tender and the gravy is thickened, serve the cubed steak with gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite sides like steamed vegetables or a salad.

Cooking Notes

• Cubed Steak: If you can’t find cubed steak, you can substitute with round steak or even sirloin, but cubed steak is typically more tender when slow-cooked.
• Gravy Consistency: The gravy will naturally thicken as it cooks, but you can always add a cornstarch slurry or cook with the slow cooker lid off during the last 30 minutes to help reduce it.

Variations

1. Creamy Mushroom Cubed Steak

Add ½ cup of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions for a rich, mushroom-flavored gravy.

2. Spicy Cubed Steak

Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy mixture for a spicy kick.

3. Smoky Cubed Steak

Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the gravy for a smoky depth of flavor that pairs well with the beef.

4. Low-Sodium Cubed Steak

Use low-sodium soups and beef broth to reduce the salt content in the dish while keeping the flavor intact.

5. Herbed Gravy Cubed Steak

Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the gravy for a fresh herb flavor that complements the beef.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Slow Cooker Cubed Steak with Gravy ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the recipe and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before reheating, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cubed steak and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Q: Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes! While cubed steak is ideal for this recipe, you can also use round steak, sirloin, or chuck steak. Just make sure to cook long enough for the beef to become tender.

Q: Can I make this recipe without canned soups?
Yes, you can substitute the canned soups with a homemade cream sauce made from butter, flour, broth, and milk or cream. Whisk these together until smooth and use them in place of the canned soup.

Q: Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the steak and gravy in a large skillet over low heat for about 1-2 hours, covered, until the steak is tender.

This Slow Cooker Cubed Steak with Gravy is a perfect comfort food meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The tender, slow-cooked steak and rich gravy pair perfectly with mashed potatoes or noodles, making it a family favorite for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple.